Showing a passion for performance from an early age, Michelle attended Camden School for Girls, where her creative spirit flourished. Her formal acting training began at the prestigious Royal Court Youth Theatre, where she honed her craft alongside other budding talents. This foundational experience would pave the way for her versatile career in acting and entertainment.
Before becoming a television star, Michelle’s first foray into showbusiness came via music. She appeared in the video for the Squeeze hit “Cool for Cats” and then joined the new wave pop band Mari Wilson and the Wilsations as a backing vocalist. The group, fronted by Mari Wilson, was known for its retro-inspired sound, blending 1960s style with a contemporary twist. They achieved notable success with hits like “Just What I Always Wanted.”
Michelle then turned to acting, landing several roles in popular shows of the 1980s, including Bergerac and The Bill. While she was filming the BBC play Pressures in 1988, Michelle was spotted by EastEnders producer Julia Smith, who asked her to audition for the role of Cindy Beale, who was to feature in 11 episodes of the soap. The manipulative, reckless nature of her character was a hit with viewers so her contract was extended and the character became a major villain in the series. Cindy was the unfaithful wife of EastEnders stalwart Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt), between 1988 and 1998.
After leaving EastEnders Michelle starred in several dramas, including two series of Real Women (BBC One); two series of Sunburn (BBC One) (Michelle also sang the theme song, a no. 28 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1999); Daylight Robbery (ITV); The Sleeper (BBC One); Uprising (ITV) and three series of Two Thousand Acres of Sky (BBC One).
Another notable appearance came in The Illustrated Mum, which told the story of two girls coping with the unpredictable behaviour of their depressed, alcoholic mother. The film, written by Jacqueline Wilson, was based on the children’s novel of the same name. It was screened over Christmas 2003 and won an Emmy Award and two BAFTAs.
In 2011, Michelle joined the cast of Coronation Street as Stella Price, landlady of the iconic Rovers Return pub, thus becoming one of the few actors to play regular characters in both of Britain’s leading television soaps.
In 2023 Michelle made a dramatic return to Albert Square, proving the enduring popularity of Cindy.
Away from her acting career, Michelle has spoken openly about her battles with eating disorders and mental health.
For further information about Michelle Collins please contact her agent andrew@cloud9management.co.uk
